Car dumper chute control mechanism



Sept. 13, 1952. R. w. KALTENBACH 1,376,586

CAR DUMPER HUTE CONTROL MECHANISM I s sheets-sneek 1 Filed Dec. 5,' 195o Sept. 13, 1932. R. w. KALTENBACH 1,876,586

CAR DUMPER CHUTE CONTROL MECHANISM Filed Dec. 5. 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 SePvt13f1932 l R. w. KALTENBACH 1,875,686

CAR DUMPER CHUTE CONTROL MECHANISM x Filed Deo. 5, 195o v s `Sheets-sheet '3 Patented sept. 13, 1932 1,876,686

y UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROBERT W. 1mmEivimcn,` oE CLEVELAND HErGETs, oHIo CAR DUMPEE CHUTE coNTEoE MECHANISM Application led December 5, 1930. Serial N0. 500,300.

' This invention relates to car dumpers and chute accurately and quickly to any desired particularly to those having a discharge position.A Furthermore, it cannotbe accomchute, which is mounted adjacent the end of plished without the expenditure of considthe pan or conveyor, by means of which maerable energy by the operator. 5 terial is fed to the Chute, A The obJect of the present invention is to 55 To facilitate proper disposition and trim- PIOVide a method by means of which thm ming of the load, it is expedient to have the movement of the chute can be accurately and lower end of the chute mounted, for universal qlllCkly COntIOlled Without requiring vany of I movement with reference to the upper end the mechanical control devices, such as lever y thereof. This has been accomplished by uti- OPP/ rated C lllChGS and brakesthusdispensing 00 lizing four cables that extend downwardly entllely Wlth theneed for mechamcallyactualong the chute and are connected to the lower ated o onnoo'lng @GVICS between the Cable cnd'thereof adjacent the four corners of a opefaemg meoheknlsm eldhe Control house rectangle. Thus, when any two cables on one In hle eonneetlon@ my lnyentlon Contemside of the rectangle are wound in, and those Plates the P I'oVlSlon of en apparatus, by 6.5 on the opposite Side are 'paid ont, the lower means ofwhlch the chute may be controlled end of the chute can be swung with reference more ealoently than heretofore, and Wlthollt to the pan or support, the direction of such resultmg 1n undue atlgue to the operatormotion depending upon the manner in which The p'efe'ed means for ee'ymg out my the cables are grouped for operation. myentlon 1S ehoWn m the d laWmgS yVhel'em The mechanism heretofore used for oper- F125- l le a dlaglamnatlo sld? elevitlon 01??, ating the cables has embodied a single source om: domper embodylng my mventlon 'Flgof power, such as a steam engine, or a single 2 le an, end; elevaten of Part of ,the ehute electric motor, while suitable gearing and Shown 1n Flgl? Flg- 3 1S a Ple'n VleW of the v clutches have connected the motive power to Control and operatlng meohansln for 'actuthe respective cables. The space limitations atmgthe ehllte Cables; Flg 4 1S 3g dlaf'am for such mechanism has been so restricted, man@ VleW uustra'tmg-the reletlonshlp of that it has been diitcult to make itv sufficiently the eeblesto the oluatmgemoans thefefpl 9 heavy and rugged to manipulate the load. Flg 5 1S a W11'mg dlegfema end. Flge 15a' Thisis particularly noticeable wlienthe chute top plan dlegrammatle VleW' luusel'atlngthe u is fully extended and is filled with material. cebleerrangefeent- At such time, it is hard to manipulate the Bneflya my mventlon m general ombodles clutches particularly, as the control house ein arrangement of Cables aolaeent the, top is usually mounted 0nan extension of ,the and bottom of the chute 1n substantially pan or conveyor and remote from the mechaf the samemanner as heretofore, except that I nism. Accordingly, it has been necessary to now utlhze e Sepaete motor for each ca blev connect the control` levers with the clutches I the Prelude Suitable control meChamSmv-f by meansof long rods,ropes and chains which by' meane of Yvhleh the motors mfly be 4o in turn have required additional space for grouped luto Paus to SW1I1g the Chute molle 90 suitable linkage in order to permit opera- Plagne, and by means of yYhlell ehe gfouplng tion of the clutches without requiring the 'may be rearranged to SWlng 1t m a Compleoperator to expend an excessivefamount oit'` mently plane. Thus, the operator lnthe energy in the manipulation thereof, control room, need only move the required 1 have found however, in Spit-,e of the mec1rcu1t controllers to effect the desired result. 95 chanical refinements, which were developed Referring nOW in detail JG0 the drawings, 10 to facilitate the operation ofthe clutches'and indicates the frame of a car dumper, 11 a brakes, that the system is far from vsatisfacecradle and 12 a car thereon. In the full line tory, for it is very diflicult to manipulate the position of Fig. 1, the cradle is shown in ele- ;3- control rods to swing the lower endA of the vated position and in dumping position,l loo while in the'broken line position 11a, the cradle is shown in the car receiving position. The dumper illustrated includes a pan 1'3, the lower end of which converges to form a restricted passageway 14, which communicates `with the discharge chute 15. The lower end of such chute is arranged for universal movement with .reference to the pan, and to this end, I have illustrated different positions of the chute in one plane as at a and 15b in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, other positions in a. plane complementary to thatshown in Fig. 1 are that indicated at 15a and 15b.

illustrated at 150 and 15d respectively.

The chute itself comprises a1 plurality of .telescopically interconnected tubular sections. The uppermost section 16 'is pivotally connected at 17 vto the discharge end of the pan, and overlaps a curved stationary section 18 that is fastened to the end of the pan. The curvatureof the section 16 corresponds to that of section 18, so as to'permit, the flow of the Vpan contents into the chute,

31, 41, 51 and 61 respectively. The drums in turn are adapted -to be operated .by independent electric -motors 32, 42, 52 and 62 through suitable reduction gearing 33, 43, 53 and 63 respectively. Furthermore, each motor is provided with automatic solenoid braking mechanism indicated in general at 34, 44, 54 and 64 respectively.

The reeving of the cables is as follows: Cables and 40 pass over guide sheaves 70 and 71 which are shown .as being supported adjacent the upper end of the chute and on the underside of the pan, and thence over I sheaves 72 and 73 which are pivotally mounted adjacent thelower end of the chute. .Such

cables 'constitute the rear group. The front group comprises cables and 60, which pass over sheaves 74 and 7 5 adjacent the upper end of the chute, arid thence over sheaves 76 and 77 adjacent the lower end of the chute. The ends of the respective cables are sho-wn, as being attached to the lower sheave blocks.

It is apparent from an examination of Fig.

l Y 6, that the upper guide sheaves are spaced adjacent the four corners of a rectangle and are relativelylfar apart, while the lower guide sheavesare .spaced adjacent the corners of a rectangle and are relatively close together. Thus, when the cables associated with one side of the rectangle are wound in, while those atthev opposite side are paid out, the

chute will be swung about -either of the pivots 17 and 19. The direction of such swinging movement will depend upon the manner in which 'the motors are operated to wind and pay out the cables. cables 30 and 40 are wound in, while 50 and are paid out, the chute will be swung from the full line position in Fig. 1 in the direction indicated by the broken lines 15a. If

the direction of rotation of the motors should be reversed, that is, to wind in cables 50 and 60 and pay' out cables 30 and 40, then the chute willbe moved in the direction .indicated toward the position 15b. Such motion takes place about the pivot 17 and provides the athwart7 motion. The fore and Iaft motion about the pivot 19 is accomplished-by winding in the cables 30 and 50,y

while paying out cables 40 and 60 or by winding in cables 40`and 60, while paying out cables 30 and 50.

To provide the desired selective control,

Thus, for example, if

each motor is preferably reversible and the electrical connections between the motors and the circuit controllers are such, that the mo' tors operating the cables to be grouped are simultaneously actuated. Furthermore, each motor is automatically locked against rotar tion by the solenoid brake as soon as the current is interrupted therethrough. The wiringdiagram illustrated in Fig. 5

shows an arrangement whereby the grouping i of the motors can be accomplished. In such diagram, the source of power is indicated at while shiftable controller members are indicated at 101, 102, 103 and 104 respectively. The connections for such controllers are preferably so arranged that one con` troller actuates two motors that are intended to be grouped together for simultaneous movementlin one direction. Likewise the two remaining motors are grouped lto cause simultaneous movement when desired in the opposite' direction. Preferably, the two controllers are independent so that the motors which are used for operation in one direction maybe operated either with or without operation of the remaining motors. This feature is desirable, as it facilitates manipulation of the chute in accordance with the shape and condition vof the vessel into which the material is being transferred.

. Considering now a specilic direction 'of chute movement, such for example, as an athwart motion wherein the cables 30 and 40 are wound in, the controller 101 is movedvv to the left in Fig. 5. At such time, current will flow from the source of power through lines 106, 107, contact vpoint 108, contact member 109, line 110 to motor 42 and thence returning through line 111-, contact member 112, contact 113, lines 114, 115, 116, 117 and 118 to the source of power. Such current flow will operate the motor 42, for example, in a Clockwise direction. At the same time, current for energizing the motor 32 will {iow from line 107 through line 119, contact 120, member 121, line 122, through motor 32, and thence through line 123, member 124, contact 125, lines 126, 116, 117 and `118 to the source of power.

It will thus be seen controller 101 to the left operates the motors 32 and 42 in a clockwise directionfto wind in cables 30 and 40. 'If at the same time, it is desired to operate motors 52 and 62 in a counter clockwise direction so as to pay out cables and. 60, then the controller 102 is moved to the right. The current for motor'62 will then How from the source of power through lines 106, 107 127, 128, con- -tact 129, member 130, line 131, through motor 62 and thence back through line 132, member 133, contact134,`lines 135, 116, 117, 118 to the source of power. Similarly, current for` motor 52 will flow through lines 106, 107, 127, 136 contact point 137, con-v tact member 138, line 139, through motor 52,

'and thence back through line 140, member 141, Contact point 142, thence through lines 143, 116, 117 and 1.18 to the source of power.

Thus, simultaneous movement of the controller 101 to the left and controller 102 to the right causes rotation of motors 32 and 42 in a clockwise direction, and rotation of motors 52 and 62 in a counter clockwise direction. This arrangement, as heretofore stated, winds in cables 30 and 40 and pays out cables 50 and 60, and enables the chute to be moved to thefull line position indicated ati15 in Fig. 1.

To move the chute in a fore and aft direction, either by-winding in on cables 30 and 50, or on cables 40 and 60 depending upon thedesired direction of movement, provision -is made for grouping the motors for operating such cables, by manipulation of controllers 103 and 104. For example, when controller 103 is shifted to the le'ft, current flows from the source of power through line 106, contact point 145, member 146, line 147, line 110, through motor 42, thence back through lines 111, 148, member 149, stationary contact point 150, lines 151, 152, and 118 to the sourceof power. This causes rotation of motor 42 in a direction, to wind in the cable 40, which can be assumed, as beingl in a clockwisefdirection." At the same time, motor 62 is energized by cufrent which flows from the source of power through lines 106 and 153, stationary contact point 154, contact member 155, line 156, line 132, motor 62', and thence through lines 131,157, contact member 158, stationary Contact point 159, lines 151, 152 and 118 to the source of power.

To group motors 32 and 52 so as to wind in cables 30 and 50, controller 104 may be shifted to the left at which time, current may flow from the source `of power through lines that movement of the' to the motor 32, thence back through lines 123, 165,y contact member 166, stationary contact point 167, lines 168, 152 and 118 to the source of power. At the same time, current flows from the source of power through lines 107 160, 169, stationary contact point 170, contact member 171, lines 172, 140, motor 52, lines 139, 173, contact member 174, stationary contact point 175, lines 176, 151, 152 and 118 to the source of power.

The controller arrangementjust described is such that by shifting any controller to the left, the two motors controlled thereby operate in a direction to wind in the associated cables. The connections are also shown that will reverse the direction of motor rotation when the controllers are shifted to the right. Considering first that controller 101 is shifted to the right, then current flows from the source of power through lines 106, 107, stavtionary contact point 112,l line 111 through motor 42, thence back through line 110, member 109,1stationary contact 177, lines 178, 115, 116, 117, 118 to the source of power. At the same time, current through the line divides and flows r`through line 119, stationary contact point 120, member 124, line 123, motor 32, thence back through line 122, member 127, contact point 179, lines 180, 116, 117 and 118 to the source of power.

The direction of current flow through motors 52 and 62 has been described in connection with the shifting of the controller 102 to the right. Such direction has been such that the associated cables would be paid out. If, however, the controller is shifted to the left, then the current flowing through the motors will be reversed, thus causing the cables to be wound in, and at such time, the current willlflow thro-ugh lines 106, 107 127, 128, point 129, member 133, line 132, through motor 62, thence back through line 131, member 130, point 181, lines 182, 116, 117 and 118 to the source of power. At the Sametime, current through line 127 divides, part going through line 136, point 137, member 141, line 140, motor 52, line 139, member 138, point 183, lines 184, 116, 117 and 118 to the source of power,

When the controller 103 is shifted to the right, current flows through lines 106, poi-nt 145, member 149, lines 148, 111, through motor 42, thence back through lines-110, 147, member 146, point 185, lines 151, 152 and 118 to the source of power. At the same time, lines 106 through line 153, point 154, member back through lines 132, 156, member 155,

108, contact member from the source of power current flows from point 186, lines 151,152 and 118 to the source of power.

When controller 104 is shifted to the right, current flows from the source of power thrqughlines 106, 107, 160, 161, point 162, member 166, lines 165, 123, through motor 32, thence back through lines 122, 164, member 163, point 187, lines 151, 152 and 118 to the source of power. At the same time, Vcurrent from line 160 divides, and iiows through line 169, point 170, member 174, lines 173, 139 through motor 52 and back through lines 140 and 172, member 171;..point 188, lines 151, 152, and 118 to the source of power.

Briely summarizing the control arrangement, theshifti'ng of any control member to the left operates to eii'ect simultaneous paying in ofthe two cables controlled thereby, while the shifting of any controller to the right-pays out the two cables controlled thereby. When one group of cables is wound in, the opposite group may be selectively paid out, if desired. Furthermore, any one motor may be grouped with different motors de-- pending upon-the'pair of cables, which are to be wound in or p aid out respectively. l

To raise vthe chute, controllers 101 and 102 vcan both be shifted to the left. This causes all cables to be wound inv simultaneously. Conversely, when such controllers are shifted to the right, all cables are paid out simultaneously. The same result can also be accomplished by shifting controllers 103 and 104 simjiltaneously, `either to the left, or to the rig t.

An important advantage of my invention is the fact that each cable is controlled by an independent motor, thus obviating the necessity `for the use of clutches. control'levers', connecting links and the like between the cable drums and the control house. Furthermore, the operators attention is not required for the expenditure of muscular energy. in the manipulation ofl such control members, wherefore, his undivided attention may be directed toward the delivery end of the chute.-

By grouping the motors`to effect simultaneous operation of them in pairs, and by employing reversible motors, I reduce to a minimum, the number ofmotors required to effeet the desired chute manipulation, without requiring the use-of mechanical disengageable connections.

I claim:

1. A car dumper, having a discharge chute,

four cables operatively connected to the chute for manipulating it, an electric motor'operatively connected to each cable, and single means for operating said motors `in groups.'

2. In a car dumper, the combination with a support, of a discharge chute mounted for universal movement adjacent the end of the. support, 'a plurality of cables operatively connected to the chute adjacent the lower end thereof, electric motors operatively connected to saidcables, there being one motor for 'each cable, said motors being mounted'upon lthe support, and single means remote from,V

the motors for controlling two of thensimulamaterial discharge chute, of means supporting it for swinging movement, said means including flexible members operatively connected to the chute adjacent the lower end thereof, an electric motor operatively connected to each of said members, said motors being reversible, whereby one member may be wound in while the other is being paid out, and-single means for operating two of said motors either in a forward or reverse direc- 5. In a car dumper, the combination with a material discharge chute, of cables operatively connected thereto, for moving one end of the chute universally with reference to the other end thereof, an electric motor for operating'each cable, and single means for grouping the operation ofthe motors, whereby some of the' cables may be wound in while the others are being paid out.

6. In a car dumper, the combination with a material discharge chute, of means for supporting it for universal movement, said means including four cables operatively connected to the chute adjacent the four corners of a rectangle, an electric motor operatively connected, to each of said cables, and single means for grouping the operation offthe motors,

ing the operation of said motors, whereby two of thecables may be wound in independently of the remaining cables.

8. In a car dumper, the combination with a support, of a discharge chute mounted for universal movement, a plurality of cables operatively connected to the lower end of the chute, an electric motor for actuating each 1 cable, and single means for grouping the operation of said motors whereby some of the cables may be wound in or paid out independently of the other cables.

9. In a car dumper, the combination with a Y discharge/ chute, of four cables operatively connected to the chute adjacent the bottom thereof, and adjacent the four corners of a rectangle, an electric motor 'operatively connected to each cable, and single means for selectively operating any one motor with either one of two of the other motors. y

10. In a car dumper, the combination with a support, of a material discharge chute mounted for universal movement with reference to the support, four cables extending from the support and operatively connected to the chute, an electric motor for actuating each cable, and single means for selectively operating any one of said motors simultaneously with either one of two of the other of said motors, whereby two of the cables may be simultaneously wound in or paid out, and whereby any one cable may be simultaneously wound in or paid out with either one oftwo other cables.

11. In a car dumper, the combination with n a material discharge chute and means for supporting it for universal movement, four cables operatively connected to the chute, an electric motor for operating each cable, and single means for simultaneously operating one pair of motors to wind in two of the cables, and simultaneously operating the other two motors for simultaneously paying out the other two cables.

12. In a car dumper, the combination with a material discharge chute, of means for supporting it for universal movement, four cables operatively connected to the chute, for controlling the movement thereof, an electric motor for each cable, and single means for selectively grouping the operation of the motors so that anyone may be operated either in a forward or reverse direction simultaneously with either one of two of the other motors either to wind in or pay out the associated cables.

13. In a car dumper, the combination with a discharge chute, means supporting it for universal movement, four cables operatively connected 'to the chute for controlling the .movement thereof, an electric motor for each of said cables, and single means for simultaneously operating all of said motors in the same direction either to wind in or pay out all of said'cables simultaneously, said means being operable selectively to permit winding in of two of the cables, while the remaining two are being paid out.

14. In a car dumper, the combination with a support, of a material discharge chute mounted for universal movement thereon, four cables operatively connected to the chute adjacent the bottom thereof, and adjacent the four corners of a rectangle, a reversible electric motor operatively connected to each cable, and single means for selectively grouping the operation of the motors so that any cable may be wound in or paid out simultaneously with either one of the two cables spaced at the adjacent corners of the rectangle.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto affix my signature.

ROBERT W. KALTENBACH. 

